In Roman mythology, Flora (Latin: Flōra) is a Sabine-derived goddess of flowers[1] and of the season of spring[2] – a symbol for nature and flowers (especially the may-flower). While she was otherwise a relatively minor figure in Roman mythology, being one among several fertility goddesses, her association with the spring gave her particular importance at the coming of springtime,[3] as did her role as goddess of youth.[4] Her Greek counterpart is Chloris.

Her festival, the Floralia, was held between April 28 and May 3 and symbolized the renewal of the cycle of life, drinking, and flowers.[6] The festival was first instituted in 240 B.C.E, and on the advice of the Sibylline books, she was also given a temple in 238 B.C.E. At the festival, with the men decked in flowers, and the women wearing normally forbidden gay costumes, five days of farces and mimes were enacted – ithyphallic,[7] and including nudity when called for[8] – followed by a sixth day of the hunting of goats and hares.[9] On May 23 another (rose) festival was held in her honor.[6]

Flora's Greek equivalent is Chloris, who was a nymph. Flora is married to Favonius, the wind god also known as Zephyr, and her companion was Hercules.